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Prop Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VML

Senior Content Creator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... maker-style creator who can artfully shoot and capture breakthrough, inspiring content. You're ... Light, compose, prop and art direct your own work * Work within legal requirements, client brand ...

VML

Senior Content Creator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... maker-style creator who can artfully shoot and capture breakthrough, inspiring content. You're ... Light, compose, prop and art direct your own work * Work within legal requirements, client brand ...

All JobsProp Maker JobsProp Maker Jobs in California

Prop Maker information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$32

How much do prop maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop maker in California is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prop maker do?

A prop maker is responsible for designing, constructing, and finishing the objects and props used in film, television, theater, and other productions. They work with a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and foam to create realistic or fantastical items that enhance a production's storytelling. Prop makers often collaborate closely with directors, designers, and other production staff to ensure the props meet specific creative and safety requirements. Their work can range from crafting small hand-held items to large set pieces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prop maker?

To thrive as a Prop Maker, you need strong skills in sculpting, carpentry, painting, and fabrication, often backed by experience in theater arts, set design, or a related technical field. Familiarity with tools like saws, lathes, 3D printers, and materials such as foam, wood, and resin, as well as knowledge of safety procedures, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving set outstanding prop makers apart. These skills ensure props are safe, realistic, and meet the specific needs of productions under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges prop makers face when working on tight production timelines?

Prop Makers often work under strict deadlines, especially during film, theater, or television productions where schedules can change rapidly. Balancing creativity with efficiency is essential, as last-minute design changes or requests for additional props can arise. Managing multiple projects simultaneously and collaborating with other departments, such as set designers and costume teams, requires strong communication and organizational skills. Adaptability and problem-solving are key to delivering high-quality props on time.

What is the difference between Prop Maker vs Set Designer?

AspectProp MakerSet Designer
CredentialsOften requires skills in sculpture, carpentry, painting, and sometimes certifications in prop fabricationRequires design skills, architecture or interior design background, and knowledge of space planning
Work EnvironmentWorks in workshops, studios, or on location creating individual propsWorks primarily on set locations or design studios creating entire environments
Industry UsageCommon in film, theater, and television for creating specific propsUsed in film, theater, and TV to design and plan entire scenes or environments

The Prop Maker focuses on creating individual props used within a scene, requiring hands-on craftsmanship. In contrast, the Set Designer plans and designs entire sets or environments, overseeing the overall visual concept. Both roles are essential in production but differ in scope and skill set.

How do you become a prop maker?

To become a prop maker, you typically need to develop skills in sculpture, carpentry, painting, and fabrication, often through a combination of formal education such as art or design programs and hands-on experience. Building a portfolio of completed projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in theater, film, or theme parks can help establish a career in prop making. Knowledge of tools like saws, glue guns, and painting techniques is essential, and some prop makers pursue certifications in specialized skills or safety training.

How to get hired as a prop maker?

To get hired as a prop maker, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your craftsmanship and creativity, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects. Proficiency in materials like foam, wood, and plastics, as well as skills in painting and finishing, are important, along with knowledge of tools such as hot glue guns and saws. Networking within the entertainment or theater industries and applying to production companies can also improve your chances of employment.

What are popular job titles related to Prop Maker jobs in California?

For Prop Maker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prop Maker jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Prop Maker jobs in California are:

Prop Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prop Maker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,830 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Senior Content Creator

VML

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Who we are looking for: 

VML is looking for a conceptually strong, creatively hybrid Senior Social Content Creator to join the Creative Team at VML. This role requires someone who is a seasoned social-first thinker and can concept, write, shoot, edit and understands what will connect with our clients' audiences on today's ever-evolving social platforms. This role is for someone who has experience creating influencer-style content in which they star OR this role is for a maker-style creator who can artfully shoot and capture breakthrough, inspiring content.

You're equal parts creative thinker and hands-on doer-fluent in creation and editing tools, as well as GenAI tools. Your approach is both artful and strategic, creating work that is native to the platform, rooted in cultural and audience insights, attuned to social trends and optimized for the algorithms.

You're capable of both working independently or partnering with social creative and strategy teams to bring work to life in a fast-paced environment. You'll be able to lead concepting and execution of always-on social content for brand-owned social channels, paid social advertising, social campaigns and creative storytelling across platforms such as Instagram, X, Threads, YouTube Shorts, TikTok and LinkedIn (depending on the client).

What you'll do: 

  • Lead the creative development of content and social-first projects-from idea through hands-on execution
  • Manage junior and mid-level content creators on projects by providing feedback on their ideas and work and helping them hone their conceptual and executional skillsets
  • Regularly connect with clients to create a partnership that builds trust in our thought leadership and ideas, from presenting work to articulating the "why" behind the creative
  • Flex across writing, art direction, visual design and motion guidance-building ideas that live natively in feed
  • Collaborate with creative teams, strategy, project managers, producers and client leads
  • Help inform strategic briefs in partnership with strategy team to ensure they provide a springboard for strong social creative
  • Craft platform-specific executions that show an understanding of algorithms, community behaviors and what drives engagement
  • Light, compose, prop and art direct your own work
  • Work within legal requirements, client brand guidelines and other guardrails
  • Stay up to speed on new content formats and innovations across social platforms
  • Incorporate learnings and insights about what works and performs well into your work
  • Lead brainstorms and meetings-helping to set and level up the creative bar for content across the agency

What you'll need: 

  • Minimum 5 years experience as a content creator within an agency, publisher or in-house team
  • Specific client requirements go here: Experience concepting, writing, capturing and starring in live-action content for formats like Instagram Reels or TikTok. OR Experience concepting, writing, art directing and capturing maker-style content
  • Fluency in creation and editing tools such as Instagram Edits, Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, and/or CapCut, as well as GenAI tools, such as Google Veo and Nano Banana
  • A portfolio that demonstrates strong conceptual thinking and hands-on execution
  • Deep understanding of content formats, platform best practices and community behaviors
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, and an ability to take an idea from concept to finished execution quickly, without sacrificing craft
  • You push others to think more strategically, act more natively and experiment more boldly

What we offer: 

  • Passionate, driven people| We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
  • Consciously cultivated culture| We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
  • Competitive benefits| What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
  • Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

Apply